Well, I'm new here and really need some help. My daughter is 12 and has been in and out of treatment for the past 8 months after a suicide threat. She is diagnosed with BPD, ADHD, and depression. She started school this week for the first time since January. Her therapist says she needs an IEP, but the school claims she is only eligible for a 504 plan. I have a meeting with the school next week but I have no idea how to advocate for her. I am not even sure what she needs at school. She was model student before this and has never demonstrated these behaviors at school. She held it all in and then exploded at home ! Anyone here have experience with accommodations for these kids? It is so nice to have a place to ask these questions! Thanks.
You have a legal right to request a special education assessment. Some schools really and truly suck about their willingness to spend a dime of district money, so you need to really educate yourself on what you are entitled to. It is very important that you request the assessment in writing (there are templates you can use all over the internet). A verbal request can easily be declined. A good school will tell you to submit a letter requesting the assessment. A bad school will... .well you can see what they do. If you did submit a letter, and they are still refusing to assess your child, then you have grounds to sue for Due Process. Just say ":)ue Process", and they will start scurrying to accommodate you,
. Make sure you bring the letter to your meeting requesting the assessment, and they will be legally bound to perform the assessment. Since this sounds like a difficult school, it would be helpful for you to bring any paperwork you have that references your daughter's diagnosis. Academic performance is not the only barometer a school is required to consider for an IEP. It is important to have one in place when dealing with a child with a mental illness, because there may come a point when the school cannot meet her needs, and without an IEP you cannot demand that they find (and pay for) an alternative school that is more appropriate for your child's needs.
I'm not an attorney or an advocate, but I went through 13 years of IEPs for my son (Asperger's, learning disabilities), and just requested an assessment for my daughter (depression, anxiety, BPD traits and just admitted to a residential program). I'm lucky, because her school was thrilled to see the assessment letter when I gave it to them at my meeting. They are extremely proactive in getting my child what she needs. Unfortunately they are the exception, not the rule. You'll have to fight for everything your daughter needs, but it's worth it! Good luck to you, and stay strong